Now that we got those confessions out of the way (honestly, each point deserves it’s own post. But we will just focus on #3!)

Last night was not only the Golden Globes and the Girls season 2 premiere, but also the HBO Portland premiere of the new Girls season! And I somehow (by seeing the post on the FB page) secured (free) passes for Dannica and I before it sold out!

Even though we didn’t have any clue what to expect from this event, Dannica and I have been so excited! They have been having these premiere parties all across the country, but I felt super cool that we got on the list for the Portland event (obviously because I am Hannah…)

We arrive early and get our HBO wristbands and drink tickets. Already I am in heaven. They have us wait in line outside to get in. It was freezing, but felt very NYC (I know, I’m going way too far with this whole Girls references…)

We get inside and it’s pure, wonderful chaos! We get drinks and food and before you know it, we are watching season 2 episode 1!

Just me, one of my best friends, and 118 other Portland fans watching one of my favorite shows on premiere night.

But then the most surprising thing happened… they showed us episode 2! Woah! Now I’m ahead of the game now and the season just started!

(I won’t give anything away, but the first two episodes of this season are AWESOME! So excited to see what happens with Hannah & the gang)

After the screening, Dannica and I took full advantage of everything the event had to offer (hello, it was all FREE!)

We got our tarot cards read, we got henna, we ate more food, drank a little more, listened to an awesome girl band and then got to be a part of an awesome photo shoot. We even took a bunch of these Girls character-themed nail polish…things (I still don’t even know what they are.)

Basically our night totally rocked in the name of Girls!

Think I’m crazy for blabbing over this show? Please check it out!

And if you want to be my friend, you HAVE to at least watch an episode (how is that for a threat?!)

If any of these points sound appealing, you need to go! Steven and I have been back a handful of times and each time we are left satisfied and super happy. Even just last night we went for a quick dinner, a beer, and for some MLS playoff soccer. And it was divine.

Mohammad the owner is usually there and it’s hard to miss him. He’s a loud, boisterous super nice guy with a thick Bosnian accent. He treats everyone like they are regulars (but trust me, there are a lot of regulars who love good beer and soccer!)

Mohammad refers to every woman as “nice lady,” which of course means they have a house pale ale brew from Lompoc caled… Nice Lady Ale. I’m not usually a pale ale kind of girl, but once he called me nice lady, I knew I had to try it. And I loved it! The boys (who are all self-proclaimed beer aficionados) are always happy with the tap selection. Basically, you can find anything you want. There are also game day specials — Timbers jello shots anyone?!

Also, you have to try a Ćevapi! Its basically really flavorful kebab on doughy and super addicting bread (lepina), with onions, red pepper sauce (ajvar), and a small amount of cream sauce (kaymak). It’s so delicious, I have to get it every time. Steven has gotten the Mediterranean chicken sandwich which was amazing, and Katie got another sandwich which she said she enjoyed.

I can’t find a reason not to love 442 Soccer Bar. We have gotten to know some of the bartenders and they are just great to talk to. The food is good, the drinks are great, and our friends also love this place.

Let me know if you check it out! I have also heard a rumor that they show Blazers games…

I don’t think I have laughed that hard during a movie since Bridesmaids.

Seriously, Pitch Perfect is hilarious! And if you need a great chick flick, this is it.

Now I know what you are thinking… that it’s about acapella groups and it could be lame. Because honestly, I was thinking the same thing. I went because a) Dannica, Taryn, and Kim really wanted to see it and b) I have an addiction to movie theater popcorn.

And I can’t even begin to describe to you how hilarious this movie is. I was entertained the entire 112 minutes. From the characters to the hilarious dialogue to the songs, it’s like Bridesmaids meets Glee meets Mean Girls meets Bring It On. And who wouldn’t want to see that?

Courtesy of IMDB

Alternative Becca (Anna Kendrick) is lonely college freshman before she joins the crazy, weird world of college acapella groups. She joins the Barden Bellas and chaos ensues. The best part about the film is that it makes fun of itself. It knows how ridiculous it is, but it keeps running with it. It’s stupid, but smart at the same time… (worst sentence I have ever written in this blog)

Although I loved all the songs (and the mashups), the best part is the weird, quirky characters that you meet along the way. From the prim and proper blonde who has a projectile vomiting issue to the quiet girl who always speaks in creepy whispers to Elizabeth Banks who played a washed out acapella commentator — these characters and their lines are definitely memorable and quotable.

But hands down, the best character is Fat Amy. Rebel Wilson, who you will definitely remember from Bridemaids, hands down steals the show. I haven’t stopped quoting her lines all day.

Favorite – I love you all. Even though most of you are pretty thin, you all have fat hearts

Basically this movie has made me want to join an acapella group and sing/dance my heart out. And since Steven was a vocal studies major in college, we will do duets on request (haha!)

If I haven’t convinced you yet, Dannica took this gem of a video of Kim & I reenacting acapella groups after the movie.

And no, we are not intoxicated. This is pure enthusiasm and movie popcorn energy.

This race is crazy fun. And if it comes to your city, you HAVE to do it!

That’s all that really needs to be written about The Color Run.

I had been deathly (OK, exaggeration…) sick for the past couple days, but I had such a blast during this run. So if a sick 23-year old baby had fun, then anyone can have fun!

I got together with Steven, Dannica, Jessica, and Taryn to form a kick-ass, colorful team. (Props to Jeff for playing “dad!”)

The race is very simple. You run, get colored dust thrown at you, then celebrate at the finish by throwing more colored dust at each other.

The Color Run isn’t timed. There are no pacers. There is no real race. It’s all for fun!

(yes…I have blue dust in my teeth. Deal with it.)

You had so much different types of people there. With more than 15,000 runners, it seemed like all of Portland showed up! It was very well organized for the amount of runners/joggers/walkers there was. I am definitely doing it again next year! Remind me to get a white tutu… I was so envious of them!

(yes… my face looks like a chimney sweeper’s)

Tips:

Grab your race packet the days before! We picked ours up race-day and it was a little hectic!

Use a plastic bag to cover your phone/camera for the run if you want to take photos. We found that using the bag that our sweatbands came in was perfect for the cover job!

After the race/celebration, try to shake off as much dust as possible from your skin. It will make it way easier to wash off afterwards (I think I still have blue spots on my arm…)

If you want to keep your white shirt colorful, soak it in vinegar and then iron it before you put it in the wash!

I am going to be honest, I never really venture out into SE Portland. Being a downtown girl, I know my way around the west side, but the east side is a little bit of a mystery for me.

Let me tell you, Bazi Bierbrasserie is a hidden gem on the east side. Small, tucked away right off of Hawthorne, this bar/restaurant totally rocks!

Bazi Bierbrasserie (don’t ask me to pronounce that…) is a Belgian bar with a brasserie style food menu. Steven and I met our friends Katie and Dylan right after work for happy hour and to watch a Timbers game.

I was totally and completely impressed with Bazi Bierbrasserie .

The restaurant is smaller, but has a great outside area with picnic tables and umbrellas. There is also a garage door that was opened into the restaurant, which gave a lovely natural light. Awesome atmosphere, I loved it!

The cool thing about Bazi Bierbrasserie is the beer selection. There are about 17 imported Belgian craft beer taps as well as a couple local, rotating guest taps, all in the Belgian-style. There is something for everyone and our server was more then helpful with our selections.

Steven, Katie, and Dylan well went with traditional, dark imported Belgian beers (of course!), while I ordered lighter Wit beers from two breweries.

Turns out the two beers I had were from the local rotating guest taps, one from pFriem Brewing and the other from Breakside Brewing. If you like lighter, creamy beers, these two Wits are for you!

Hint: Be prepared to pay a little more for your beer! Also, since they are imported, there are no beer samples. So ask your server and order wisely!

Not only were we all super excited about the beers, the food was so so good! Happy hour prices ranged from $3-$7 and the food portions were very generous. I definitely want to come back for dinner sometime.

Happy Hour food menu

I ordered the happy hour frites and the dirty laundry grilled cheese sandwich! The frites were delicious and cooked to perfection. Whatever seasoning they had one them, I want it on everything. I also died over the grilled cheese. With doughy pullman load bread and copious amounts to cheddar and gruyere, I could eat this grilled cheese everyday.

Steven and Katie ordered the old fashioned cheeseburger and both had nothing but wonderful things to say about it!

Bazi Bierbrasserie shows all local teams, MLS games, and English Soccer games on a giant 114 inch tv. They also have a smaller tv in the corner of the bar. If you are going for a game, be sure to get there early! We were shocked how packed it was a half hour before kick off!Good beer, delicious food, great friends? Nothing could be better… (besides a Timbers win)

It’s my first giveaway! In honor of my first blogoversary, I will be doing a couple giveaways over the upcoming weeks!

The great people at Cheribundi sent me a sampler of all of their juice flavors and have decided to let me do a giveaway to my readers for another sampler pack!

Before researching about the company, I had no idea the amazing health benefits of cherries. I honestly have never really had cherry juice, so I never considered buying it. I am now a believer.

Each small 8 oz. bottle is jam-packed full of nutrients. It’s amazing how so much goodness can come from such a small package. If you love cherries, then you will love Cheribundi.

I was excited to try each of the different flavors that Cheribundi has to offer!

Tru Cherry – The original. It’s very tart, but very appealing! It will definitely wake up your tastebuds during the day! And there is a 1/2 lbs of fruit in there. Can you believe it?!

Skinny Cherry – It’s the Tru Cherry for the calorie-conscious! With only 90 calories (as opposed to Tru Cherry’s 130). Sweetened with Stevia, this juice is perfect for those who prefer sweet to tart.

Whey Cherry – I was most apprehensive about the Whey Cherry, but it ended up being one of my favorites! With 8 grams of whey protein, this is the perfect drink after a workout. I had a bottle after a spin session and it tasted refreshing. So many professional and collegiate teams are drinking Cheribundi, which totally makes me feel like an elite athlete (haha)

Cacao Cherry – I wanted so desperately to like it, but it wasn’t my favorite. I have never been a fan of chocolate covered cherries which could be why. The chocolate is super rich, so this would make a great dessert drink

Ginger Cherry – This flavor is unbelievable! I am completely addicted. It definitely wakes up your tastebuds with an incredible (but not overpowering) ginger flavor. It’s my hands down favorite of them all!

So now it’s your turn to experience the amazing flavors (and benefits) of Cheribundi.